Real Madrid News
Arbeloa torn apart by Spanish media after La Liga setback: ‘It’s a sacking record at Real Madrid’
The pressure surrounding Real Madrid continues to intensify, and following the disappointing 1-1 draw against Real Betis at La Cartuja, the spotlight has shifted onto manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
At a time when Madrid needed authority and clarity, what followed instead was more frustration, both on the pitch and in the aftermath.
Arbeloa’s decision to once again highlight refereeing decisions as a key factor behind the result has not gone down well, particularly given the team’s underwhelming performance.
Spanish media rips in Arbeloa
Criticism quickly gathered pace in the Spanish media, with El Larguero delivering a particularly sharp assessment of the situation.
The general sentiment was already clear that Real Madrid’s issues run far deeper than refereeing decisions, and many believe the manager is failing to address them directly.
That frustration was summed up bluntly during the broadcast, where the panel questioned Arbeloa’s approach.
One of the key criticisms centred on his perceived deflection of responsibility, as they stated,
“Clinging to the refereeing after the performance Real Madrid put in shows a lack of responsibility as a manager.”
The same line of discussion continued, with further remarks showing what was seen as a misplaced focus at a critical moment in the season.
😡🗯️ @aromeroser: "Arbeloa trata de explicar lo que ha pasado en el terreno de juego y lo que aprendió de su entrenador ídolo, José Mourinho. Agarrarte al arbitraje después del partido que ha perpetrado el Real Madrid es tener poca responsabilidad"https://t.co/Z0va64jBz0 pic.twitter.com/acM5VYLexj
— El Larguero (@ellarguero) April 24, 2026
“Focusing on the refereeing strikes me as sad,” the panel added.
The criticism did not stop there, as the programme went on to underline just how damaging the recent run of results has been in the context of Madrid’s expectations.
“If it weren’t for Arbeloa, 5 out of 12 is a sacking record at Madrid.”
However, the most striking comments came from journalist Antonio Romero, who delivered a scathing assessment not just of Arbeloa’s post-match comments, but also of his broader tactical decisions.
“Arbeloa tries to explain what happened on the pitch using what he learnt from his idol, Mourinho. I’d like to hear Arbeloa talk about football.
“Let him explain why he brings on Alaba, who is practically a retired player, when he has Asensio.
“Why doesn’t Carvajal play if Trent has a yellow card? The referee’s tantrum is not befitting of the Real Madrid manager,” he added.
And as the discussion reached its conclusion, he delivered a final remark that showed just how far confidence in the manager has fallen.
“Arbeloa perhaps refuses to talk about football because he feels like a sporting has-been, because as Real Madrid manager he has nowhere left to go,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
